Affiliate Marketers, Are We Ready for a Census?
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I have just been notified about a site, AffiliateProgramAdvice.com and E-Consultancy.com which are working on an affiliate census for affiliates in the United States. In order for the census to go through they are asking all affiliates to participate in a survey, which is less than about 10 minutes, and you will also get a copy of the results as well.
The deadline to complete the Affiliate Census is January 27, 2009, which is coming very close.
But what does this mean to affiliates? Well recently a UK affiliate census was recently released and can be downloaded at the following link. This UK census is about the lack of transparency for the advertisers and networks on who are ‘affiliates’. There is little known information about us and the way we contribute to the online economy.
The main benefit of this is seeing what the average income an affiliate or publisher makes. We know very little about our own competition, as affiliates we are very cautious on who we share information with if any at all. The census will allow us to determine what an average affiliate income is base on network income as an individual. It will also let affiliates know what kinds of threats there is towards affiliates, best method of promotion, and how many networks an affiliate belongs to.
My Input on all this
This research definitely affects the affiliate industry but as US affiliates do we want this?
As a growing affiliate marketer, I would like to know some threats about our industry, wich I personally do not see from an economic standpoint.
But do we want to know what the yearly income is for an average affiliate? Do we want networks to share our methods of promotion. The amount of networks we work with, revenue that is generated off maybe a merchant. I mean we are very private marketers. Do we want this to really go out? Some of the questions are pretty personal, like amount of time spent, when and how long you started, etc.
These are very basic questions but they do hold some truth behind it. Even though the questionnaire is anonymous. Should we as affiliates, be anonymously helping our own competition? It is great that this would be good information but at to what extent?
Their already studies and surveys out their that takes a general idea and provide feedback to the affiliate industry. Recently a report was release from AFFstats.com which provided a very good study on the affiliate industry. But a census?
What is a Census:
A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population.
Population being our industry and information – that can be any information they would like to acquire. This is just my input and would like to be interested in hearing what you think about all this.
If you want to know a little more about the survey – read this post about it and give your input on what you think about this census idea.
[...] Affiliate Marketers, Are We Ready for a Census? | Ian Fernando [...]
Ian, you have sparked a comment from me. It’s an interesting predicament here. Some people would say that a census is good – that people will be informed on affiliate marketing and what the average person does in regards to affiliate marketing.
But the question is, does this information need to be shared?
I just did the census, can’t wait to receive the results/report. Would be interesting to see how well this performs in the end.
I see no point in participating in a census.
Most of this data they can get from Affiliate Networks themselves right? Even though we get that report at the end which maybe a hook to participate. I’m curious to know what they really plan to do with all that information. Aggregating and selling information is a big business, so that leaves me a little skeptical.
Ian
Thanks for the post and insights into this. BY creating this data and sharing it we create some needed transparency in the industry that can help everyone gain more knowledge. I think its a good thing. Especially since its shared with all. I believe it will help us all to better understand our industry so that it can grow and become a better place for all.
[...] Affiliate Marketers, Are We Ready for a Census? | Ian Fernando [...]
[...] Affiliate Marketers, Are We Ready for a Census? | Ian Fernando [...]
I just completed the census and I am look forward to seeing the overall results of this survey
Damn, today is the cutoff date so I dont think I can do it – cant wait to see the results though
Thanks Ian, I actually filled this survey out from another referral, I someone emailed it to me. It was interesting and fun to fill out, and it is pertinent to all affiliates.
JR
Just using that census and looking forward to see what and how many average income i’ll make.
Thanks for your post!
Thanks for reinforcing this often mis-understood topic though. Keep up the great writing!
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